Hearty Lasagna Recipe: A Tribute to Family and Friendship
Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together rich flavors, hearty textures, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. This recipe is extra special—it’s a combination of culinary inspiration from pasta lovers dear to my mom: Regina, Sue, and my mom herself. Together, they crafted this lasagna recipe that’s been a hit at gatherings and family dinners for years. With its rich layers of pasta, cheese, and flavorful sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how to make this delicious lasagna recipe, perfect for serving a large family or preparing ahead for leftovers.
Why This Recipe is Special
This lasagna is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of friendship and family. Crafted with love and inspired by my mom and her dear friends Regina and Sue, this dish carries the warmth of shared memories and cherished moments. Each layer tells a story of laughter, connection, and the joy of feeding the ones we love.
Ingredients:
The pasta and meat:
- Lasagna noodles (cooked al dente)
- 1 pound ground round (beef)
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage
Cheese mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 15 ounces sour cream
- 3 packages of 5-cheese Italian blend shredded cheese
The sauce:
- 3 cans of marinara sauce (use homemade or your favorite brand, such as Schiavone Marinara)
The layers:
- Pepperoni slices
- Shredded mozzarella and/or Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pasta
Cook the lasagna noodles to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside. - Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground round and Italian sausage together over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the meat aside. - Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and all three packages of 5-cheese Italian blend. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. - Assemble the Lasagna Layers
In two 9×12 pans, begin layering the ingredients as follows:- Start with a layer of lasagna noodles.
- Add a portion of the cooked meat mixture.
- Place a layer of pepperoni slices.
- Spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the layer.
- Add the Final Topping
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and/or Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each pan. - Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lasagnas in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagnas to cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Tips and Variations
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers.
- For extra spice, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- If you’re short on time, assemble the lasagna ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake when ready to serve.
Share the Love
Do you have a family recipe that holds a special place in your heart? We’d love to hear your story and share in the joy of your culinary traditions. Let’s create a community where food and love bring us closer together, one delicious bite at a time.
This Hearty Lasagna Recipe is a gift from Regina, Sue, and my mom to your table—enjoy every layer of flavor and every memory it inspires. ❤️
Meet the Team Behind The Miami Valley Experience
At the heart of our exploration of the Miami Valley’s hidden treasures are Jonas Helbert and Katie Masters. Jonas, with a deep-seated passion for real estate, and Katie, an expert in property management, bring a wealth of local knowledge and a commitment to the community. Together, they form Team MVE at Streetlight Realty, offering unparalleled service in real estate transactions across the Dayton area.
Contact Team MVE today:
- Jonas Helbert: [Phone: (937) 626-4181]
- Katie Masters: [Phone: (937) 901-8177]
- Email: mve@streetlightrealtors.com
Explore all that the Miami Valley has to offer with Team MVE by your side. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or simply to enjoy the vibrant Dayton community, Jonas and Katie are here to make your real estate journey seamless and stress-free.
Let’s make your dream home a reality! Reach out today to start your journey with Team MVE.
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Streetlight Realty is located in Washington Twp, OH, and serves the entire Miami Valley. Whether you are looking to buy or sell real estate, we have experts who can assist you in the process. You can call Jonas Helbert at 937-626-4181 or Katie Masters at 937-901-8177 with any Real Estate questions. We are here to help!